Deceased medical bills

My husband died and I'm being asked to pay his medical bills. Do I have to pay them?

Reply from DebtCollectionAnswers.com

Maybe. It depends in part on whether you live in a community property state. In those states, debts incurred after the marriage are considered community property. In addition, in some states that aren't community property states, spouses are responsible for their husband or wife's necessary medical bills.

However, there are a number of things that will determine what the medical provider/collector can do to collect.

If paying these bills will be hardship for you, or if you are not sure whether you owe them, we would recommend you talk with a bankruptcy attorney who can explain your rights and responsibilities for this debt. (Seeing a bankruptcy attorney doesn't mean you have to file. They are also knowledgeable about issues like what's safe from creditors.)